Unit information: Research Project Initiation in 2020/21

Unit name	Research Project Initiation
Unit code	EENGM0022
Credit points	60
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. Piechocki
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The aim of the Research Project Initiation is to provide a critical and in-depth literature review for the PhD phase (years 2-4), and where appropriate some initial results. The final report should present the state-of-the-art in your project field; comparing and contrasting results and methodology used in the referenced technical papers. It should also contain recommendations and a plan for the full PhD project stage (including timelines for access to equipment, ethical approval, patient recruitment etc). Each project is carried out under the supervision of two members of staff. Importance is given to the planning of the work programme, the setting and achievement of objectives, the presentation of the results of the work and a work plan for the PhD phase.

The unit aims to enable students to:

• Demonstrate an ability to work independently.
• Demonstrate an ability to search for and critically reflect on appropriate literature.
• Display adequate verbal presentation skills (to stakeholder groups).
• Display solid understanding of research project scoping.
• Demonstrate appropriate written communication skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The project contains a research or investigative element which allows you to demonstrate individual talent and intellectual ability. It attempts to prepare you for the PhD research phase and as such contains elements of project planning. The project report also provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate report structuring and writing skills.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Conduct a detailed, literature review on a focused, cutting-edge topic in the field of digital health.
2. Critically analyse data and present their evaluation of this material and its relevance to the field of study.
3. Illustrate ability to design a research project in digital health
4. Determine the elements of responsible innovation in relation to a research project and complete the necessary paperwork for compliance (e.g. ethical approval).

Teaching Information

This applied unit will be largely self-directed by the individual student, co-supervised by a supervisory team.

Assessment Information

Project plan, including a critical literature review and project feasibility report (5000 words), 80% (ILO 1, 2, 3)

Poster presentation at the annual CDT symposium, 20% (All ILOs)

Reading and References

Selected literature, references and online material will be provided at the start of the unit